One of the bigger topics of the forum involved medical marijuana and Measure U, which could overturn the city’s existing ban and allow three medical marijuana dispensaries to operate legally.

All six mayoral and council candidates voiced their opposition to the November ballot measure, citing various reasons for their disapproval.

Despite public sentiment that she is in favor of the measure, Stone said she has never been a supporter of medical marijuana.

But the councilwoman was quick to note that she is no physician and can’t say whether it is good or bad. Stone said she has heard passionate arguments from those on both sides of the issue.

“Attitudes toward marijuana have changed dramatically in the last 20 years,” she said. “In our democracy, laws have been designed to change to serve the will of the people.”

As a council, Stone said her colleagues on the dais could have handled the issue better from the beginning rather than being stuck with measure on the ballot.

Stone’s mayoral opponent, Bozar, called Measure U the most corrupt issue facing Upland. Citing problems experienced in Colorado — where pot is legal for recreational use — Bozar said that similarly blight, homelessness and crime would overwhelm city services in Upland.

“The issue really becomes, is this what Upland really wants to be, the city of Gracious Living? We’re going to be like Los Angeles, Venice Beach? We do not want this corrupt process happening in Upland,” he said.

Felix is also opposed to the measure. The first-time candidate said the passage of Measure U would invite corruption.

“There’s three licenses and 100 people want them. Who gets them?” he said.

Elliott echoed similar sentiments to Stone, saying she is opposed to the policies set in place for the measure but believes there are medicinal benefits to marijuana. Before she would enact any legislation, if she were on the council, Elliott said she would like to know what Upland voters want.

“I’d like to be part of the process of bringing together all sides of this divisive issue by finding a compromise and then crafting a very well-researched, compromise law that would meet everyone’s needs,” she said.

Balancing the budget

On the topic of sales tax, the candidates for city treasurer differed on the right approach for Upland. When the council adopted the $46 million 2016-17 budget this past summer, it included keeping positions vacant. But a consultant’s report has indicated the city is headed for a deficit nevertheless because of increasing pension costs.

Earlier this year, the council debated placing a half-cent sales tax on the ballot. The council members were unable to reach a consensus, and the issue was dropped.

But Dunn said Monday night the city needs to consider a sales tax because it would be a significant revenue source.

“The only tax out there that would require the vote of the people, that is not a 100 percent burden on the citizens of Upland, is a sales tax. Roughly 30 percent of the sales from the city comes from outside,” Dunn said.

Kinley said the biggest financial issue facing the city is the unfunded liability with its pensions but didn’t offer a solution.

“You’re not going to solve anything until you get to the problem, and I think the problem is the pension funding,” he said.

Morgan, a council candidate, said he could consider a tax increase but first the city needs to deal with the 800-pound gorilla in the room: pensions.

Morgan said he wants to be involved in a process that could address the pension liabilities.

Improving infrastructure

As Upland has grappled to balance its budgets through the years, city leaders have been left with no choice but to defer some maintenance. The city can only tap into its gas tax and Measure I funds for infrastructure improvements, but even those revenue resources have dwindled.

Although past councils have been able to balance the budget, it doesn’t account for large-ticket infrastructure costs, which instead have been put on hold, Robinson said. Residents have to keep in mind the costs associated with waiting, he said.

“The longer you wait to do things like street repairs, sidewalk repairs, it costs how many times more if you wait a year? I’m not talking 5 percent. You’re talking double or triple of what it would cost if you did it today,” Robinson said.

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